Authorities seized 211 boxes of unregistered Korean luncheon meat worth an estimated ₱700,000 from a Korean grocery store in Barangay Luz, Cebu City, on the afternoon of July 22.
The operation was conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Mandaue City Field Unit under “Oplan Mega Shoppers.”
According to authorities, the operation was launched after they received reports that the store was allegedly selling imported luncheon meat without authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Following verification of the report, law enforcement officers carried out a buy-bust operation that resulted in the seizure of boxes of the imported products.
The FDA-Central Visayas confirmed that the confiscated luncheon meat did not have a Certificate of Product Registration.
Authorities also said the establishment failed to present a License to Operate, an FDA permit, and other documents authorizing the sale of the imported products.
The confiscated goods were placed under government custody as part of the investigation.
The store manager was also taken into the custody of authorities and may face charges for an alleged violation of Section 11(a) of Republic Act No. 9711, also known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
Investigators said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to monitor the sale of imported food products and ensure compliance with national food safety regulations.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the source of the imported luncheon meat or whether further operations involving similar products are planned.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities prepare the appropriate charges in connection with the alleged regulatory violations.
